“(The) Eagles very fearful that Essendon may have got under their guard,” Hardie said on Macquarie Sports Radio Melbourne breakfast

Hardie went on to say that there could be a domino effect at both West Coast and Essendon if Gaff was to sign with the Bombers.

“That will have a roll on effect to Brendon Goddard because I think that they did snare the services of Andrew Gaff, Goddard would either probably have to take either one, reduced contract or two, coaching, mentor type development role. Scott Lycett would be likely to stay if Gaff left as it would free up some money for him”

Hardie also says that Western Bulldogs ruckman Jordan Roughead could be on the move with St Kilda and West Coast showing interest in the Premiership winning Western Bulldog.